Short Wave Behold a T-Rex holotype, paleontology's "gold standard"
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Jan 6, 2026 
Join Matt LaManna, a curatorial expert at the Carnegie Museum, Sarah Davis, a paleobiologist, and Sarah Crawford, director of museum experience, as they unveil the secrets of the T. rex holotype. Learn how holotypes establish species standards and discover the challenges of conserving real fossils. The team shares their fascinating experiences in the museum's basement collections, including handling a 67-million-year-old bone, and discuss the delicate balance of showcasing these treasures while ensuring their protection.
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Holotype Is Paleontology’s Reference Point
- A holotype is the single specimen scientists use as the defining reference for a species.
- Matt Lamanna explains the Carnegie holds about 500 holotypes, including the T. rex holotype used worldwide.
The Museum’s Famous T. Rex Revealed
- Regina Barber discovers the Carnegie's mounted T. rex is built mostly from the actual holotype bones.
- Matt Lamanna reveals the skull bones are kept downstairs for preservation and study.
Collections Far Exceed Display Space
- Museums hold vastly more objects than they can display, prioritizing research over exhibition.
- Sarah Crawford says the Carnegie cares for 22 million objects but has limited display and storage space.